Ministry Signs Agreements to Boost Water Efficiency, Support Rural Development

Baqaa: Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hunaifat presided over the signing of agreements at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) on Thursday, aimed at enabling 151 farmers to rehabilitate wells and irrigation networks. This initiative seeks to mitigate water loss and is part of the Economic and Rural Development and Employment Project, which is being implemented by Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) with financial backing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Dutch government across the governorates of Balqa, Zarqa, and Madaba. Hunaifat emphasized that these agreements are in line with the Economic Modernization Vision. They are designed to empower small-scale farmers, address water scarcity, and adapt to climate change. The initiative also focuses on revitalizing agricultural and productive projects, while providing support to rural women and Jordanian youth in the targeted regions. Director General of NARC, Khaled Abu Hammour, highlighted that th ese agreements benefit 151 farmers across the northern, southern, and central regions of Jordan, effectively covering most of the Kingdom. He noted that rehabilitating wells is a national endeavor aimed at enhancing water use efficiency and improving water harvesting opportunities in Jordan, with cooperation from both local and international partners. Zaid Nsour, Director of the Rural Development Project at JEDCO, commended the National Center for Agricultural Research, describing it as the Ministry of Agriculture's scientific arm. He lauded its pivotal role in empowering small farmers and rural initiatives, fostering innovation in modern irrigation techniques, and spearheading agricultural and horticultural entrepreneurship. This, he noted, is crucial for promoting investment in modern green technologies by rehabilitating wells and irrigation systems, which is an innovative solution to combat climate challenges and drought. Source:Jordan News Agency